Beijing, Manila Trade Barbs Over Disputed Reef in South China Sea

Philippines Denies Chinese Broadcaster's Reports That Beijing Has Seized Sandy Cay

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MANILA - China and the Philippines on April 28 defended their claims to a disputed reef in the South China Sea after Manila accused Beijing of seeking to "intimidate and harass" using a state media report that suggested the area had been seized.

The Philippines said there was no truth to news reports that Beijing had seized control of a disputed reef in the South China Sea, saying its personnel landed on the unoccupied sandbars and found no Chinese presence there.

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said on April 25 its coast guard landed on Sandy Cay as part of maritime control operations to exercise its sovereignty. It did not say China was occupying the reef.

CCTV showed pictures of four coast guard personnel in black combat gear holding a Chinese flag after arriving on Sandy Cay on an inflatable dinghy.

On April 28, the Philippine Coast Guard released its own photo showing Filipino sailors holding the country's flag over the same disputed reef during an early morning mission the day before.